An elite U.S. Coast Guard unit joined the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team on amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) to conduct counter-piracy and maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden.

Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) are preparing to quit smoking as well as many other things, starting Dec. 28, and continuing through the ship's return to home port.

Sailors and Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) returned to the United States following a 10 1/2-month deployment when it pulled into Morehead City, N.C., Feb. 4.